Eight Cheap Honeymoon Ideas for Couples on a Budget
Between paying for the wedding and setting up a new household, many couples find there's not much money left in their budget for the honeymoon. But who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy a romantic honeymoon at your dream destination? Here are eight ideas for a more affordable, yet still romantic, honeymoon.
1. Ask for the gift of a honeymoon. You can defray the cost of your honeymoon, or perhaps even cover the cost entirely, by listing it on a honeymoon gift registry. A honeymoon registry works just like a wedding registry, but instead of buying you china your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the honeymoon destination of your choice). Yes, your guests could just contribute cash toward your honeymoon, but giving a particular portion of the honeymoon (dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a carriage ride through the historic district of a far-off city, for example) is somehow more meaningful. You'll find a number of honeymoon registries online; theBigDay.com and theHoneymoon.com are two of the most established.
2. Exchange homes. If you prefer to mingle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange for your honeymoon. In a nutshell, you go stay in someone else's house while they stay in yours. Sound risky? Maybe - but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes since the 1950s. For an annual membership fee (usually around $50), home exchange clubs open the door to thousands of people from around the world who are interested in swapping homes. You could probably find a home exchange partner on your own, but the home exchange clubs offer tools to help the exchange goes smoothly. According to ExchangeHomes.com, a home exchange can cut your travel costs by as much as half. More importantly, though, you'll get to live like locals, and perhaps make life-long friends.
3. Rely on the hospitality of others. Hospitality clubs can hook you up with people who are willing to host you in their private homes; the largest such club has more than 23,000 members in 148 countries. Membership is usually free, although you're asked to provide hospitality to others (on a voluntary basis) sometime in the future. In addition to saving you money, it's a great way to meet locals who can give you an insider's perspective on your honeymoon destination. Other places you can look for free or reduced-cost accommodations include hostels (they're not just for the young and single anymore) and monasteries and convents, some of which open their doors to guests for little or no charge.
4. Win a free honeymoon. "Nothing in life is free" - unless you win a free honeymoon vacation in a promotional sweepstakes or contest. Quite a few travel agencies and other companies run contests giving away honeymoon vacations as a way of promoting their services. The odds of winning a free honeymoon may be remote, but the cost of entering is usually just the time you spend searching the web for "honeymoon contest" and filling out online entry forms.
5. Go camping. Firelight and shooting stars every night... breathtaking natural beauty... snuggling with your honey in a cocoon of zipped-together sleeping bags... . Yes, camping can be romantic, as long you're well prepared and have the right equipment (warm sleeping bags, a comfortable mattress pad, and a waterproof tent are a must). Plus, it's pretty cheap - $10 to $20 per night at most locations. It's even cheaper if you cook your own food. You can mix a few nights of camping with a few nights in hotels to make your honeymoon more affordable. And don't overlook the rustic (but cheap) cabins available for rent at many state and national parks. Some even offer a honeymoon cabin!
6. Travel in the off season. It may be obvious to seasoned travelers, but those with less experience may not be aware of how affordable it can be to honeymoon in the off season: basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination. Certain destinations' accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30 percent or more during the off-season compared to the peak travel season. Traveling in the off season doesn't necessarily mean enduring wintry weather. Fall and spring usually offer discounted rates as well.
7. Consider your airline alternatives. When booking airfare online, don't overlook the discount airlines (Southwest, Song, jetBlue, and so on); some are not listed on the big travel portal websites, even though they might have a lower fare to your destination. Also be sure to compare rates for alternate airports within a reasonable traveling distance. You might live half an hour from a major airport, but the smaller airport a couple hours away might have substantially lower fares, perhaps saving you hundreds of dollars. Finally, be flexible about your arrival and departure dates; the major travel portals all have options to search for the cheapest flights within a range of dates. Any one of these alternatives could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
8. Check budget travel newsletters. If you're not picky about where you honeymoon, you can probably cash in on promotional deals offering deep discounts on airfare and lodging - if you know about them. To stay abreast of the latest offers, sign up with as many free budget travel newsletters as you can. Start by signing up with the budget travel newsletters offered by Frommers.com, About.com, and MSNBC.
About the Author: Jerry Windley-Daoust profiles cheap and creative honeymoon ideas at Creative Honeymoon Ideas.
1. Ask for the gift of a honeymoon. You can defray the cost of your honeymoon, or perhaps even cover the cost entirely, by listing it on a honeymoon gift registry. A honeymoon registry works just like a wedding registry, but instead of buying you china your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the honeymoon destination of your choice). Yes, your guests could just contribute cash toward your honeymoon, but giving a particular portion of the honeymoon (dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a carriage ride through the historic district of a far-off city, for example) is somehow more meaningful. You'll find a number of honeymoon registries online; theBigDay.com and theHoneymoon.com are two of the most established.
2. Exchange homes. If you prefer to mingle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange for your honeymoon. In a nutshell, you go stay in someone else's house while they stay in yours. Sound risky? Maybe - but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes since the 1950s. For an annual membership fee (usually around $50), home exchange clubs open the door to thousands of people from around the world who are interested in swapping homes. You could probably find a home exchange partner on your own, but the home exchange clubs offer tools to help the exchange goes smoothly. According to ExchangeHomes.com, a home exchange can cut your travel costs by as much as half. More importantly, though, you'll get to live like locals, and perhaps make life-long friends.
3. Rely on the hospitality of others. Hospitality clubs can hook you up with people who are willing to host you in their private homes; the largest such club has more than 23,000 members in 148 countries. Membership is usually free, although you're asked to provide hospitality to others (on a voluntary basis) sometime in the future. In addition to saving you money, it's a great way to meet locals who can give you an insider's perspective on your honeymoon destination. Other places you can look for free or reduced-cost accommodations include hostels (they're not just for the young and single anymore) and monasteries and convents, some of which open their doors to guests for little or no charge.
4. Win a free honeymoon. "Nothing in life is free" - unless you win a free honeymoon vacation in a promotional sweepstakes or contest. Quite a few travel agencies and other companies run contests giving away honeymoon vacations as a way of promoting their services. The odds of winning a free honeymoon may be remote, but the cost of entering is usually just the time you spend searching the web for "honeymoon contest" and filling out online entry forms.
5. Go camping. Firelight and shooting stars every night... breathtaking natural beauty... snuggling with your honey in a cocoon of zipped-together sleeping bags... . Yes, camping can be romantic, as long you're well prepared and have the right equipment (warm sleeping bags, a comfortable mattress pad, and a waterproof tent are a must). Plus, it's pretty cheap - $10 to $20 per night at most locations. It's even cheaper if you cook your own food. You can mix a few nights of camping with a few nights in hotels to make your honeymoon more affordable. And don't overlook the rustic (but cheap) cabins available for rent at many state and national parks. Some even offer a honeymoon cabin!
6. Travel in the off season. It may be obvious to seasoned travelers, but those with less experience may not be aware of how affordable it can be to honeymoon in the off season: basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination. Certain destinations' accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30 percent or more during the off-season compared to the peak travel season. Traveling in the off season doesn't necessarily mean enduring wintry weather. Fall and spring usually offer discounted rates as well.
7. Consider your airline alternatives. When booking airfare online, don't overlook the discount airlines (Southwest, Song, jetBlue, and so on); some are not listed on the big travel portal websites, even though they might have a lower fare to your destination. Also be sure to compare rates for alternate airports within a reasonable traveling distance. You might live half an hour from a major airport, but the smaller airport a couple hours away might have substantially lower fares, perhaps saving you hundreds of dollars. Finally, be flexible about your arrival and departure dates; the major travel portals all have options to search for the cheapest flights within a range of dates. Any one of these alternatives could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
8. Check budget travel newsletters. If you're not picky about where you honeymoon, you can probably cash in on promotional deals offering deep discounts on airfare and lodging - if you know about them. To stay abreast of the latest offers, sign up with as many free budget travel newsletters as you can. Start by signing up with the budget travel newsletters offered by Frommers.com, About.com, and MSNBC.
About the Author: Jerry Windley-Daoust profiles cheap and creative honeymoon ideas at Creative Honeymoon Ideas.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
10:40 PM | Was this helpful? | 
Words of Celebration
Example of a pronouncement (aka "Words of Celebration"):
This moment is made sacred by your courage. This ritual is blessed by your love. The time for ceremony has ended. The time for living your commitment has begun. Therefore, __________, it is with great joy that I proclaim [in the presence of God and] before your family and friends, that you are well and truly wed!
About the Author: Rev. Maureen Killoran is a Unitarian Universalist minister and life coach in western North Carolina. With over 20 years' experience, she delights in helping couples create unique and joyful weddings, services of union and other rituals for life passages. Visit her web site.
This moment is made sacred by your courage. This ritual is blessed by your love. The time for ceremony has ended. The time for living your commitment has begun. Therefore, __________, it is with great joy that I proclaim [in the presence of God and] before your family and friends, that you are well and truly wed!
About the Author: Rev. Maureen Killoran is a Unitarian Universalist minister and life coach in western North Carolina. With over 20 years' experience, she delights in helping couples create unique and joyful weddings, services of union and other rituals for life passages. Visit her web site.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
10:36 PM | Was this helpful? |
Wedding Homily
To wed is a privilege, a responsibility and a blessing. [Names] you have known each other for a very long time... Your lives have intertwined in several different ways, and over this time the precious gift of friendship grew... . Because you are mature people, you come to this day with a lifetime of experience... and yes, through the normal passage of time, this experience has included problems, challenge and pain... . Together, you now choose to turn your faces to the future. You have the courage to say YES to the reality of love... YES to the promise of joy that sustains you not just today but throughout all days, for as long as you both draw breath, and then in memory into the beyond.
I pray that you bring into this union the strengths that have carried you to this day. I pray that you expect from one another not perfection but a willingness to learn... I pray that you know that mind-reading is a parlor trick, and not a skill that either of you can give or expect from your mate. ... I wish for you the courage to change when old ways do not lead where you want this marriage to go. The wisdom to listen when it would be so much easier to speak. The humility to say "I'm sorry," and the graciousness to let all wrongs live in their own time.
Love one another. Hold fast when winds of trouble come your way. Let your marriage be a source of encouragement, a house of nurture and abode of hope. When you are angry, remember why it is you love. When you feel loving, always take an extra step to let it show.
Choose to risk your significance, for it is in weaving the deep connection of marriage, that you will each become the greater self you have it in you to be. Commit fully, and graceful blessings will companion you together throughout your days.
About the Author: Rev. M. Maureen Killoran is a Unitarian Universalist minister and life coach in western North Carolina. With over 20 years' experience, she delights in helping couples create unique and joyful weddings, services of union and other rituals for life passages. Visit her site.
I pray that you bring into this union the strengths that have carried you to this day. I pray that you expect from one another not perfection but a willingness to learn... I pray that you know that mind-reading is a parlor trick, and not a skill that either of you can give or expect from your mate. ... I wish for you the courage to change when old ways do not lead where you want this marriage to go. The wisdom to listen when it would be so much easier to speak. The humility to say "I'm sorry," and the graciousness to let all wrongs live in their own time.
Love one another. Hold fast when winds of trouble come your way. Let your marriage be a source of encouragement, a house of nurture and abode of hope. When you are angry, remember why it is you love. When you feel loving, always take an extra step to let it show.
Choose to risk your significance, for it is in weaving the deep connection of marriage, that you will each become the greater self you have it in you to be. Commit fully, and graceful blessings will companion you together throughout your days.
About the Author: Rev. M. Maureen Killoran is a Unitarian Universalist minister and life coach in western North Carolina. With over 20 years' experience, she delights in helping couples create unique and joyful weddings, services of union and other rituals for life passages. Visit her site.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
5:55 PM | Was this helpful? |
Wedding Planning - Scheduling
"A-wedding Day" had many requests for information about the chronology of steps for both the wedding ceremony and reception. I hope that the following steps will help you schedule the details involved with your wedding ceremony and reception. It is important that you note that these are general and the actual procedure for your personal wedding may vary according to your preference and these of your officiant as you incorporate your religion, heritage and customs. I have included steps for incorporating kids in re-marriages and blending families. Ceremony Steps
The ushers seat guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
The mother of the bride is seated last, unless she accompanies her daughter to the altar.
The musicians play background music.
At the scheduled start time, unless the officiant, the groom, and the best man are in the processional, they take their places at the altar (or ceremony place).
The musicians start to play the processional music.
Mothers light the tapers for the Unity candle ceremony that will follow the bride and groom's kiss.
Procession
The most traditional order of the processional is ushers and bridesmaids in pairs, followed by the maid of honor, ring bearer, and flower girl.
The bride enters last, escorted by her father or by both parents.
The officiant greets the guests.
In a religious wedding, the officiant leads a brief opening prayer.
Special readings, songs and or music follow.
The officiant's message.
The vows - Bride and groom.
In re-mariage the vows - blending family -vows from parents to children.
The exchange of rings and the pronouncement "pronouncing you husband and wife".
Bride and groom kiss.
In re-mariage giving each child a piece of jewelry and the pronouncement "pronouncing you a new family".
Bride, groom and kids hug and kiss.
Unity candle ceremony (In remarriage, include the kids).
The officiant then introduces the bride and groom as husband and wife.
In remarriage, the officiant then introduces the bride and groom and their kids, preferably by names, as a new family.
Exit procession: bride and groom, followed by the adult attendants in pairs, followed by the ring bearer and flower girl.
Take photos while the guests go to the reception.
Reception Steps
The reception starts with a receiving line that includes the bride and groom, parents and attendants.
At the same time it is appropriate for waiters to circulate with drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the receiving line is in progress.
Background music played.
The bride and groom can open the dancing either before or after food is served.
If you are planning a dinner and dancing reception, the "bride and groom's first dance" occurs after dinner followed by the bride dancing with her father and the groom with his mother after which other guests are allowed out on the floor.
Toasts should begin at the end of the meal.
The first toast is the best man's toast to the bride.
In re-marriage, the bride and groom introduce their children before the first toast.
Other toasts.
Cake cutting ceremony.
The garter and bouquet tosses occur just before the couple is ready to leave for the honeymoon.
The guests send the couple off for their honeymoon with a shower of rice, rose petals, or bubbles, balloons, butterfly release or doves release.
After the honeymoon, do not forget to write the thank-you notes.
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
The ushers seat guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
The mother of the bride is seated last, unless she accompanies her daughter to the altar.
The musicians play background music.
At the scheduled start time, unless the officiant, the groom, and the best man are in the processional, they take their places at the altar (or ceremony place).
The musicians start to play the processional music.
Mothers light the tapers for the Unity candle ceremony that will follow the bride and groom's kiss.
Procession
The most traditional order of the processional is ushers and bridesmaids in pairs, followed by the maid of honor, ring bearer, and flower girl.
The bride enters last, escorted by her father or by both parents.
The officiant greets the guests.
In a religious wedding, the officiant leads a brief opening prayer.
Special readings, songs and or music follow.
The officiant's message.
The vows - Bride and groom.
In re-mariage the vows - blending family -vows from parents to children.
The exchange of rings and the pronouncement "pronouncing you husband and wife".
Bride and groom kiss.
In re-mariage giving each child a piece of jewelry and the pronouncement "pronouncing you a new family".
Bride, groom and kids hug and kiss.
Unity candle ceremony (In remarriage, include the kids).
The officiant then introduces the bride and groom as husband and wife.
In remarriage, the officiant then introduces the bride and groom and their kids, preferably by names, as a new family.
Exit procession: bride and groom, followed by the adult attendants in pairs, followed by the ring bearer and flower girl.
Take photos while the guests go to the reception.
Reception Steps
The reception starts with a receiving line that includes the bride and groom, parents and attendants.
At the same time it is appropriate for waiters to circulate with drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the receiving line is in progress.
Background music played.
The bride and groom can open the dancing either before or after food is served.
If you are planning a dinner and dancing reception, the "bride and groom's first dance" occurs after dinner followed by the bride dancing with her father and the groom with his mother after which other guests are allowed out on the floor.
Toasts should begin at the end of the meal.
The first toast is the best man's toast to the bride.
In re-marriage, the bride and groom introduce their children before the first toast.
Other toasts.
Cake cutting ceremony.
The garter and bouquet tosses occur just before the couple is ready to leave for the honeymoon.
The guests send the couple off for their honeymoon with a shower of rice, rose petals, or bubbles, balloons, butterfly release or doves release.
After the honeymoon, do not forget to write the thank-you notes.
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
8:21 PM | Was this helpful? |
Journal your Way to the Altar and Beyond
Congratulations! you are engaged to be married. You are at the door steps of the most exciting time in your life. Enjoy it! Chronicle it! Put your journey in a journal! and include your thoughts and feelings. Or better yet, transform your journal into a Wedding Scrap Book.
Create a family legacy to share the memories of your engagement, wedding and life together with your children and grandchildren.
Keep a diary of actions taken, experiences and feelings as they occur or shortly thereafter. Put your ideas, dreams, goals desires and aspirations on paper. Write about family happening about activities you participated in, about your friends and your loved ones. How you feel and whatever is important to you at that moment, and by all means add pictures.
Keep a little pad and a pen handy in your pocket, purse or bag at all times and write in it. This will assure that what you write is fresh and is not written from memory.
Actually keeping a journal will help you prepare for your wedding and beyond. The action of putting your experiences, thoughts, feelings, ideas, dreams, desires and aspirations on paper will accomplish more than merely a record to look back to and share with the following generations.
When you make your journal, your "best friend", it will help you reduce the stress that builds up as you prepare for your wedding. If you continue after your wedding, the mere act of journaling will reduce stress that comes with married life. Additionally your journal will help you set goals, get organized and focus on the task at hand.
Your journal is a reflection of you! Make it very personal and very special! choose what you will write in, what you will write with, what pictures you will include and whether you'd like to add some quotes to reflect your personality. Look at as many options as are available to you and select the ones that are "you". Whether you opt for natural paper books and fancy pens, or prefer to write using your computer you must be comfortable with the tools you choose. If you opt for the computer, make sure you are comfortable with the set up and that you not only back it up, but print the pages.
Writing your journal should be fun. Don't be afraid to express yourself in all aspects of your chronicles.
You'll encounter days with more, days with less and days with no material to write about, and this is ok! Always remember that the journal is your most personal record. You are in charge! There are no have to's, no excuses, no judgments and no criticism.
So, as you prepare for your wedding and your new life ahead, keep a journal, and place it for safe keeping.
Eventually, your journal may become a treasured keepsake - a family heirloom!
Think of how much fun it will be to review it with your loved one as you celebrate a significant anniversary or another special occasions, or as your child prepares to get married.
Happy journaling! ENJOY!
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
Create a family legacy to share the memories of your engagement, wedding and life together with your children and grandchildren.
Keep a diary of actions taken, experiences and feelings as they occur or shortly thereafter. Put your ideas, dreams, goals desires and aspirations on paper. Write about family happening about activities you participated in, about your friends and your loved ones. How you feel and whatever is important to you at that moment, and by all means add pictures.
Keep a little pad and a pen handy in your pocket, purse or bag at all times and write in it. This will assure that what you write is fresh and is not written from memory.
Actually keeping a journal will help you prepare for your wedding and beyond. The action of putting your experiences, thoughts, feelings, ideas, dreams, desires and aspirations on paper will accomplish more than merely a record to look back to and share with the following generations.
When you make your journal, your "best friend", it will help you reduce the stress that builds up as you prepare for your wedding. If you continue after your wedding, the mere act of journaling will reduce stress that comes with married life. Additionally your journal will help you set goals, get organized and focus on the task at hand.
Your journal is a reflection of you! Make it very personal and very special! choose what you will write in, what you will write with, what pictures you will include and whether you'd like to add some quotes to reflect your personality. Look at as many options as are available to you and select the ones that are "you". Whether you opt for natural paper books and fancy pens, or prefer to write using your computer you must be comfortable with the tools you choose. If you opt for the computer, make sure you are comfortable with the set up and that you not only back it up, but print the pages.
Writing your journal should be fun. Don't be afraid to express yourself in all aspects of your chronicles.
You'll encounter days with more, days with less and days with no material to write about, and this is ok! Always remember that the journal is your most personal record. You are in charge! There are no have to's, no excuses, no judgments and no criticism.
So, as you prepare for your wedding and your new life ahead, keep a journal, and place it for safe keeping.
Eventually, your journal may become a treasured keepsake - a family heirloom!
Think of how much fun it will be to review it with your loved one as you celebrate a significant anniversary or another special occasions, or as your child prepares to get married.
Happy journaling! ENJOY!
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
7:48 PM | Was this helpful? |
Preparing for your Wedding - Part II
It is your wedding. Your own very special day. Make it a one-of a-kind event.
Congratulations! You just set the date for the most important day in your life. Your wedding day.
Many bridal couples become overwhelmed by all the 'must do's and instead of enjoying the journey get stressed out. Don't be one of them. Here are a few suggestions that will make the preparation fun.
Keep within your financial limits. Budget your wedding carefully. You do not want to start your joined life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a wedding to remember is do-able.
When you look at the tasks at hand in preparing for your wedding, the list may be overwhelming... Don't try to do everything all at once. Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully accomplish.
Always remember that it is YOUR wedding. Be sure that it reflects YOU. No one can or should dictate to you what to do and how to do it. Though you may seek advice, the final decision is yours. On the other hand, don't be shy. Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement from those you believe will be an asset.
Your wedding is a deeply serious and intimate moment declaring your love and commitment to each other. Add your personal touches. If you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding.
Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. The personal touch is what makes a wedding most meaningful and memorable to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.
Also, fill your day with cherished moments and keepsakes. Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the road leading to it because, sad to say, the wedding itself will be over before you know it. Yet the memories and keepsakes will stay with you forever. Treasure them! Good Luck!
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
Congratulations! You just set the date for the most important day in your life. Your wedding day.
Many bridal couples become overwhelmed by all the 'must do's and instead of enjoying the journey get stressed out. Don't be one of them. Here are a few suggestions that will make the preparation fun.
Keep within your financial limits. Budget your wedding carefully. You do not want to start your joined life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a wedding to remember is do-able.
When you look at the tasks at hand in preparing for your wedding, the list may be overwhelming... Don't try to do everything all at once. Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully accomplish.
Always remember that it is YOUR wedding. Be sure that it reflects YOU. No one can or should dictate to you what to do and how to do it. Though you may seek advice, the final decision is yours. On the other hand, don't be shy. Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement from those you believe will be an asset.
Your wedding is a deeply serious and intimate moment declaring your love and commitment to each other. Add your personal touches. If you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding.
Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. The personal touch is what makes a wedding most meaningful and memorable to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.
Also, fill your day with cherished moments and keepsakes. Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the road leading to it because, sad to say, the wedding itself will be over before you know it. Yet the memories and keepsakes will stay with you forever. Treasure them! Good Luck!
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
6:32 PM | Was this helpful? |
Preparing for your Wedding - Part I
Congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming wedding. You are probably busy with preparation for the most important day of the rest of your life. You want it to be a one-of-a-kind, memorable occasion for you and your guests. The following are suggested items you should have on your to-do or done list. Obviously you should adjust and personalize it and add some touches of your own.
Before the wedding day
Engagement - Send out engagement announcements. Commemorate the occasion with engagement gifts to each other and maybe even with an engagement portrait. If you receive engagement gifts, send out thank you cards.
Invitations - Once you have set your wedding date, this is also the time to choose and order your invitations and enclosures, envelope seals, thank you notes and postage. Check the post office for the love / wedding or other pretty stamps.
Reservations - Don't forget to make reservations for your Rehearsal luncheons or dinners and the hotel accommodations for your out of town guest.
The Added Touch - Surprise your out of town guests with memorable welcome gifts awaiting them at the hotel.
Attend to the ceremony needs and attire - For unique, hand crafted, one-of-a-kind or personalized accessories visit the shops in this mall.
Purchase your sign-in book and pen and appoint a special person to direct your guests to sign your guest sign-in book upon arrival at your wedding site.
Prepare and print programs and assign a special person to hand them out.
Make sure that the bride's wedding gown and accessories, the groom's attire and accessories and the attire and accessories for the mothers, fathers and wedding attendants accessories are ready. Secure the wedding site, (Chapel) and officiant and discuss your needs and theirs.
Don't forget to obtain your Marriage license.
Order the flowers (fresh or silk) for the bride, the groom, the wedding party and the flower children.
Order your Unity and other candles for the ceremony and your centerpiece candles for the reception. If you want very special and unique one-of-a-kind candles, you may consider custom designed personalized candles.For very unique personalized candles, check out Candles by Nily.
Choose memento gifts for the bridal party (Personalized gifts such as candles become treasured keepsakes and... they will never forget your anniversary.)
Have you chosen your Wedding rings? Don't forget to purchase a ring bearer pillow and honor someone dear and special with being your rings bearer.
If you are Jewish, don't forget to order a Mazal-Tov Glass bag for the glass breaking ceremony.
Think about how to add your own personal touches you wish to add.
Secure the musicians, photographer, and videographer.
Treat yourself to a hand crafted bridal album if you can.
Transportation - Arrange for transportation to the wedding ceremony, from the ceremony to the reception and for after the reception.
The Reception Needs
The reception site
Flowers, candles and centerpieces to decorate the reception hall and the tables Bar.
Catering / food and drinks
Wedding cake
Music
Photographer, Videographer, and wedding album package.
Favors for incredible chocolates check out J'Kadmel Candy Co.
After the Reception Needs
Lingerie, cologne, additional personal honeymoon preferences
Hotel reservations
Honeymoon package
I hope that this information will assist you and make your planning easier. Don't get panicky. Enjoy the preparation for your wedding. And keep mementos. When you have treasured keepsakes, you will look back to this day and you will smile and enjoy the memories.
Have a one-of-a-kind wedding day to remember and a happy and rewarding life together.
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
Before the wedding day
Engagement - Send out engagement announcements. Commemorate the occasion with engagement gifts to each other and maybe even with an engagement portrait. If you receive engagement gifts, send out thank you cards.
Invitations - Once you have set your wedding date, this is also the time to choose and order your invitations and enclosures, envelope seals, thank you notes and postage. Check the post office for the love / wedding or other pretty stamps.
Reservations - Don't forget to make reservations for your Rehearsal luncheons or dinners and the hotel accommodations for your out of town guest.
The Added Touch - Surprise your out of town guests with memorable welcome gifts awaiting them at the hotel.
Attend to the ceremony needs and attire - For unique, hand crafted, one-of-a-kind or personalized accessories visit the shops in this mall.
Purchase your sign-in book and pen and appoint a special person to direct your guests to sign your guest sign-in book upon arrival at your wedding site.
Prepare and print programs and assign a special person to hand them out.
Make sure that the bride's wedding gown and accessories, the groom's attire and accessories and the attire and accessories for the mothers, fathers and wedding attendants accessories are ready. Secure the wedding site, (Chapel) and officiant and discuss your needs and theirs.
Don't forget to obtain your Marriage license.
Order the flowers (fresh or silk) for the bride, the groom, the wedding party and the flower children.
Order your Unity and other candles for the ceremony and your centerpiece candles for the reception. If you want very special and unique one-of-a-kind candles, you may consider custom designed personalized candles.For very unique personalized candles, check out Candles by Nily.
Choose memento gifts for the bridal party (Personalized gifts such as candles become treasured keepsakes and... they will never forget your anniversary.)
Have you chosen your Wedding rings? Don't forget to purchase a ring bearer pillow and honor someone dear and special with being your rings bearer.
If you are Jewish, don't forget to order a Mazal-Tov Glass bag for the glass breaking ceremony.
Think about how to add your own personal touches you wish to add.
Secure the musicians, photographer, and videographer.
Treat yourself to a hand crafted bridal album if you can.
Transportation - Arrange for transportation to the wedding ceremony, from the ceremony to the reception and for after the reception.
The Reception Needs
The reception site
Flowers, candles and centerpieces to decorate the reception hall and the tables Bar.
Catering / food and drinks
Wedding cake
Music
Photographer, Videographer, and wedding album package.
Favors for incredible chocolates check out J'Kadmel Candy Co.
After the Reception Needs
Lingerie, cologne, additional personal honeymoon preferences
Hotel reservations
Honeymoon package
I hope that this information will assist you and make your planning easier. Don't get panicky. Enjoy the preparation for your wedding. And keep mementos. When you have treasured keepsakes, you will look back to this day and you will smile and enjoy the memories.
Have a one-of-a-kind wedding day to remember and a happy and rewarding life together.
About the Author: Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
5:28 PM | Was this helpful? |
Finding Humor in your Wedding
Prepare for anything to happen on your wedding day!
No matter how much preparation you have given to your wedding or reviewed the details; some things can just happen.
One week before my wedding, my father announced he was going in for a major colon operation. Unfortunately, there was no way he could re-schedule this operation and there was also no way we could re-schedule the wedding.
We just had to go on. The operation was a success but by the time the wedding hit he was still in the hospital and was only able to come to the wedding to walk me down the aisle. The poor guy helped pay for the party, had tons of friends there and had to leave. It sucked but there was absolutely nothing we could do about it. It was just the way things played out.
You can never know what might happen. But, the main thing is to go on. My dad not being at my wedding was a huge glitch in my day but it also helped me overlook all the other things.
Say for example:
- My fiancé getting a black eye the day before the wedding while kickboxing
- The spa screwing up my booking for my pedicure and manicure (on the positive, they did get the bridesmaid's correct)
- My aunt spilling a full glass of red wine all down the front of my mothers (pink) dress
- Scrambling for a place for pictures as the weather wasn't cooperating for outdoor pictures as planned
- And the best, a bell man screaming at my husband and I to open our door on our wedding night as he thought we were having a huge party (it was next door) - although my husband always likes saying we made way too much noise that night.
In hindsight, it's all really humorous (well except my dad part)! Make sure you grab your humour on your wedding day about all the things that are out of your control! If you can't seem to find the humour, try to do a few relaxation techniques such as:
- Tighten the muscles in your toes. Hold for a count of 10. Relax and enjoy the sensation of release from tension.
- Breathe deeply and slowly.
- Get a quick breath of fresh air! A quick walk can give you a much-needed "time-out" which will release some tension.
Try to also designate someone to take care of details that you just don't need to worry about. For example, have a friend in charge of the catering or someone for the music etc. When a problem arises, the bride usually hears and then you can just tell your friend and forget about it. You don't need to be wasting your time fighting with the catering or disc jockey.
About the Author: Kari White is an experienced event and wedding planner. As a result of numerous requests, she has now completed the Unique Theme Wedding Planning Guide which can be found at her web site along with a free weekly newsletter. Do yourself a favor and check it out today.
No matter how much preparation you have given to your wedding or reviewed the details; some things can just happen.
One week before my wedding, my father announced he was going in for a major colon operation. Unfortunately, there was no way he could re-schedule this operation and there was also no way we could re-schedule the wedding.
We just had to go on. The operation was a success but by the time the wedding hit he was still in the hospital and was only able to come to the wedding to walk me down the aisle. The poor guy helped pay for the party, had tons of friends there and had to leave. It sucked but there was absolutely nothing we could do about it. It was just the way things played out.
You can never know what might happen. But, the main thing is to go on. My dad not being at my wedding was a huge glitch in my day but it also helped me overlook all the other things.
Say for example:
- My fiancé getting a black eye the day before the wedding while kickboxing
- The spa screwing up my booking for my pedicure and manicure (on the positive, they did get the bridesmaid's correct)
- My aunt spilling a full glass of red wine all down the front of my mothers (pink) dress
- Scrambling for a place for pictures as the weather wasn't cooperating for outdoor pictures as planned
- And the best, a bell man screaming at my husband and I to open our door on our wedding night as he thought we were having a huge party (it was next door) - although my husband always likes saying we made way too much noise that night.
In hindsight, it's all really humorous (well except my dad part)! Make sure you grab your humour on your wedding day about all the things that are out of your control! If you can't seem to find the humour, try to do a few relaxation techniques such as:
- Tighten the muscles in your toes. Hold for a count of 10. Relax and enjoy the sensation of release from tension.
- Breathe deeply and slowly.
- Get a quick breath of fresh air! A quick walk can give you a much-needed "time-out" which will release some tension.
Try to also designate someone to take care of details that you just don't need to worry about. For example, have a friend in charge of the catering or someone for the music etc. When a problem arises, the bride usually hears and then you can just tell your friend and forget about it. You don't need to be wasting your time fighting with the catering or disc jockey.
About the Author: Kari White is an experienced event and wedding planner. As a result of numerous requests, she has now completed the Unique Theme Wedding Planning Guide which can be found at her web site along with a free weekly newsletter. Do yourself a favor and check it out today.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
4:21 PM | Was this helpful? |
Get Fit for your Wedding Day
Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. Selecting a dress that will make you look and feel great is an important first step. But what happens when you look in the mirror and notice trouble spots like saggy arms or unsightly folds in your back? When this happens it's not uncommon for brides to try quick-fix diets to help them get in shape. Unfortunately, many dieting brides make fitness mistakes that not only prevent them from reaching their goals but also cause unnecessary stress and sometimes even illness. Those are two things no bride needs! Here are five of the most common diet mistakes as well as some tips to help you avoid them.
1. Too much, too late: One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is to start early. For example, don't try to lose 20 pounds two months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just tone up) gradually. So if you're dream-wedding day includes you being in great shape, then include fitness as a "to-do" on your overall wedding checklist. That way it will be a priority in your wedding planning.
2. Setting unachievable goals: Many women get engaged and begin imagining themselves drastically thinner or more sculpted. Be realistic with yourself. If you've never been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. And, do you really want to look so different on your wedding day that most people (including your fiancé) hardly recognize you?
3. Radical diets or fitness programs: Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don't be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you. You should avoid any programs that suggest taking "diet" pills or eating unbalanced meals (like eating only cabbage soup for a week). And, don't be lured into trying dangerous things, like laxatives.
4. Not exercising: It's very easy for brides to say "I don't have time to exercise" or "I'm too tired to exercise". But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Consider them to be like yin and yang. Without activity your body can't burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the outer edge of the mall parking lot. Plus, if you are tired from all of your planning, exercise will help give you back some energy.
5. Skipping Meals: It's not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at 9 p.m. (as your head begins to ache) that you haven't eaten a thing all day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this, try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc.
Getting in shape doesn't have to be complicated and it doesn't require a lot of time. If you are trying to lose weight or firm up before your wedding, below are some sample plans to help you get started. Keep in mind that the most important thing is for a bride to feel good about herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day!
Sample Exercise FITscription:
20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (3-5 time per week)
Example: 2-5 minutes of brisk walking, 2-5 minutes of jumping jacks (repeat for 20-30 minutes)
20-30 minutes of strength training (2-3 times per week)
Example: Dumbbell exercises for both the upper and lower body (like bicep curls, tricep dips, squats, etc.)
Sample Meal Plan:
Eat 5-7 small meals per day (meals should include protein, grains, vegetables, etc. to meet the food pyramid daily requirements)
Example: Small, grilled, skinless chicken breast
Slice of whole wheat bread
Slice of cheese
Mixed Vegetables
Glass of Water (2 or 3 would be even better)
About the Author: Lynn Bode, author and certified personal trainer, offers brides and grooms an affordable and convenient way to get fit through her website, Workouts for Brides. It can help you get the body you've always dreamed of in time for your wedding day.
1. Too much, too late: One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is to start early. For example, don't try to lose 20 pounds two months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just tone up) gradually. So if you're dream-wedding day includes you being in great shape, then include fitness as a "to-do" on your overall wedding checklist. That way it will be a priority in your wedding planning.
2. Setting unachievable goals: Many women get engaged and begin imagining themselves drastically thinner or more sculpted. Be realistic with yourself. If you've never been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. And, do you really want to look so different on your wedding day that most people (including your fiancé) hardly recognize you?
3. Radical diets or fitness programs: Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don't be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you. You should avoid any programs that suggest taking "diet" pills or eating unbalanced meals (like eating only cabbage soup for a week). And, don't be lured into trying dangerous things, like laxatives.
4. Not exercising: It's very easy for brides to say "I don't have time to exercise" or "I'm too tired to exercise". But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Consider them to be like yin and yang. Without activity your body can't burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the outer edge of the mall parking lot. Plus, if you are tired from all of your planning, exercise will help give you back some energy.
5. Skipping Meals: It's not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at 9 p.m. (as your head begins to ache) that you haven't eaten a thing all day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this, try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc.
Getting in shape doesn't have to be complicated and it doesn't require a lot of time. If you are trying to lose weight or firm up before your wedding, below are some sample plans to help you get started. Keep in mind that the most important thing is for a bride to feel good about herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day!
Sample Exercise FITscription:
20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (3-5 time per week)
Example: 2-5 minutes of brisk walking, 2-5 minutes of jumping jacks (repeat for 20-30 minutes)
20-30 minutes of strength training (2-3 times per week)
Example: Dumbbell exercises for both the upper and lower body (like bicep curls, tricep dips, squats, etc.)
Sample Meal Plan:
Eat 5-7 small meals per day (meals should include protein, grains, vegetables, etc. to meet the food pyramid daily requirements)
Example: Small, grilled, skinless chicken breast
Slice of whole wheat bread
Slice of cheese
Mixed Vegetables
Glass of Water (2 or 3 would be even better)
About the Author: Lynn Bode, author and certified personal trainer, offers brides and grooms an affordable and convenient way to get fit through her website, Workouts for Brides. It can help you get the body you've always dreamed of in time for your wedding day.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
3:35 PM | Was this helpful? |
Paying for your Wedding Day
As you might already have figured, asking the father of the bride to pay for the entire event almost seems unfair. If the father of the bride is a millionaire, by all means, let loose, but not everyone is as fortunate. Nowadays costs are split among relatives in a number of different ways. You could split the costs evenly between yourselves, the parents of the groom and the parents of the bride. You could also just split it between yourselves like many young people are doing these days. This is one of the reasons it is important to plan your wedding day far in advance. Some may resort to taking out credit card loans. Be careful in this arena because you may not want to be paying for a wedding 10 years later. If you have to take out a credit card loan, try to save as much money before the wedding so you minimize how much you need to borrow. And last but not least, shop around to get the best price considering quality. This is another reason you need to plan early. You never know what deal may be lurking around the corner!
About the Author: Victoria Williams is an author for the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
About the Author: Victoria Williams is an author for the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
2:30 PM | Was this helpful? |
Western Wedding
Yee Ha! Western weddings are brilliant. You can't beat a good beer, a Barbecue and a good old camp song. I hope this lot is some use to you.
Location - See if you can get or rent a barn that will allow to have open fires out doors, it would make a nice backdrop. Think barn dance and check out movies that have those scenes in them, for ideas.
Decor - Bales of hay, rope, gingham and calico, old boots, mason jars, jugs, bunting and swags, washtubs, wire, livestock, garlands of greenery and arrangements of fruit. Tree trunks are ideal for sitting on the outside. Set the wedding cake on a cool bird bath or pedestal wash basin stand. The bride's dad could carry a prop shotgun for a real shotgun wedding effect!
Invites - Look for heavy rustic papers and for your invitations.
Flowers - Use soft rope to hand tie the bouquets and add wild weeds and hay. Wildflower bouquets are all a cow girl needs. Fill old, odd containers with flowers at the tables. I.e. paint cans, tins, baskets, mason jars, use coils of rope to hide the vases. It should look simple and hand done. You can easily make all the decorations you need just using hay, weeds and herbs.
Brides attire - Look around for old western wedding dresses. Or wear a long flared ankle length skirt with a white shirt. Or a long denim skirt with tassels on and a white or denim shirt. Or you dress casual denim jeans and a shirt. Wear boots and put a bandana on your head if you are wearing any of the latter 3. If you are wearing a traditional western wedding dress wear wild flowers in your hair.
Grooms attire - Find out if you can get cowboy tuxedos. "I've heard of them but I think you might have to send away for it from America". He could wear a denim shirt with tassels on, jeans or vest and blue jeans.
Food - Cowboy's love their Barbecues so cook as much as you can outside. There are people that have rolling pits that can come to your site and cater barbecue. Don't you do any of the cooking. Eat on picnic tables and benches and have extra bales to sit on. Drink from tins to give it the real western feeling. Have the cake made to look like bales of hay with plastic rifles on the top joining in the middle.
Transport - Ride to the wedding and the reception on a horse or horse carriage or hay wagon if possible.
Music - Find a band that can do at least one square dance number for mood if nothing else. Violins, banjos and guitar. Look for music to set the mood you are after. Take a long a few tapes with all your favorite music on and a battery operated cassette player.
Favours - Give dead bullets away in tin cans.
About the Author: Victoria Williams is the editor of the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
Location - See if you can get or rent a barn that will allow to have open fires out doors, it would make a nice backdrop. Think barn dance and check out movies that have those scenes in them, for ideas.
Decor - Bales of hay, rope, gingham and calico, old boots, mason jars, jugs, bunting and swags, washtubs, wire, livestock, garlands of greenery and arrangements of fruit. Tree trunks are ideal for sitting on the outside. Set the wedding cake on a cool bird bath or pedestal wash basin stand. The bride's dad could carry a prop shotgun for a real shotgun wedding effect!
Invites - Look for heavy rustic papers and for your invitations.
Flowers - Use soft rope to hand tie the bouquets and add wild weeds and hay. Wildflower bouquets are all a cow girl needs. Fill old, odd containers with flowers at the tables. I.e. paint cans, tins, baskets, mason jars, use coils of rope to hide the vases. It should look simple and hand done. You can easily make all the decorations you need just using hay, weeds and herbs.
Brides attire - Look around for old western wedding dresses. Or wear a long flared ankle length skirt with a white shirt. Or a long denim skirt with tassels on and a white or denim shirt. Or you dress casual denim jeans and a shirt. Wear boots and put a bandana on your head if you are wearing any of the latter 3. If you are wearing a traditional western wedding dress wear wild flowers in your hair.
Grooms attire - Find out if you can get cowboy tuxedos. "I've heard of them but I think you might have to send away for it from America". He could wear a denim shirt with tassels on, jeans or vest and blue jeans.
Food - Cowboy's love their Barbecues so cook as much as you can outside. There are people that have rolling pits that can come to your site and cater barbecue. Don't you do any of the cooking. Eat on picnic tables and benches and have extra bales to sit on. Drink from tins to give it the real western feeling. Have the cake made to look like bales of hay with plastic rifles on the top joining in the middle.
Transport - Ride to the wedding and the reception on a horse or horse carriage or hay wagon if possible.
Music - Find a band that can do at least one square dance number for mood if nothing else. Violins, banjos and guitar. Look for music to set the mood you are after. Take a long a few tapes with all your favorite music on and a battery operated cassette player.
Favours - Give dead bullets away in tin cans.
About the Author: Victoria Williams is the editor of the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
1:14 PM | Was this helpful? |
How to Plan your Wedding and Honeymoon
Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or more. The big question is: who foots the bill?
The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony. Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the lending institution.
Weddings may, in most cases, be a one time special event deserving of all the pomp and pageantry associated with the memorable day. However, there are ways to cut costs and still maximize the moment. Careful planning and budgeting are key to getting the most out of this experience at a reduced cost.
What should go into a wedding plan? When is too much, too much?
There are many things which makes a wedding a wedding. The old adage, "Something New, Something used and something blue, is a reliable guide to save.
Knowing what you need and how much it cost compared to your allotted budget for each item is essential. Your check list should include: Bride Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding cake, wedding site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, decorations, licence, honeymoon ravel, music/entertainment services, invitations, wedding consulting fees, beverage/drinks and type of wedding.
Generally, all of these items should be carefully itemized and an actual cost should be obtained from the service providers. Your budget fro each service or product should be include to help guide you and/or your wedding consultants. From this list you can determine things like the size of your guest list, bridal party and reception, cake and amount you can actually allocate to each specific area.
A good example is: if you are purchasing a wedding gown and accessories which can easily run into $1,500 or more and your budget is $600, you can opt to rent a gown and accessory which typically at the high end is around $400.
Knowing where you would like to host your wedding and the type of wedding you want is also very essential. Many people typically choose a traditional wedding (religious). These can go into many different cultures i.e. African, Jewish, Islamic, Irish etc. Different types of weddings typically carry varying price tags depending on the culture and how complex the ceremony or extravagant it is.
Honeymoons can be a another costly expense. Honeymoons can extend from that drive to another state to the extended Bahamas vacation or Carribean cruise. Many companies are now incorporating wedding and honeymoon packages in their vacation packages. This has its upside and downside. Marriage laws also vary from country to country.
June typically is noted as the wedding month. So, expect costs to be higher. However travel this and hotel charges during this time of the year to many destinations including the Bahamas may be less expensive.
If you know your budget then it may be beneficial to allow a wedding consulting firm to handle the arrangements. Statistics show that couples are so tired and stressed after the wedding 705 do not have sex on the first night of the honeymoon.
Hiring wedding consultant doesn't mean you lose control of your ceremony. It just saves you the hassle and stress of coordinating and implementing each individual activity and duty.
Your honeymoon can be like any other vacation as far as proper planning is concerned. In order to save money, you must know what you want to do? Where you want to go? What you want to see? Consult with travel consultants in the country or area you plan to visit. Research well. Your trip does not have to be robotic or mechanical, but it can be cost effective and well organized.
TIPS - Below are a few cost saving tips for your special day.
Trim your guest list
Reduce the number of attendance in your bridal party and reception
Budget your honeymoon well
Choose the kind of wedding you like but can afford
Research: at least 6 months in advance
Book in advance: try the internet
Stay near home: try a friends remote cottage, town house or timeshare
Shorten your vacation stay
Travel and wed in the off season
Go on a Cruise: They are usually all-inclusive
About the Author: Sidney Strachan is a young entrepreneur. In 1998 he and Rudolph started resource Marketing Services a B2B service oriented company. He has written many articles and is presently about to release a book of poetry entitled On and On. His website is entitled Bahamas Aficionados. It is a site promoting vacations in the Bahamas while providing services for the pleasure or business vacationers.
The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony. Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the lending institution.
Weddings may, in most cases, be a one time special event deserving of all the pomp and pageantry associated with the memorable day. However, there are ways to cut costs and still maximize the moment. Careful planning and budgeting are key to getting the most out of this experience at a reduced cost.
What should go into a wedding plan? When is too much, too much?
There are many things which makes a wedding a wedding. The old adage, "Something New, Something used and something blue, is a reliable guide to save.
Knowing what you need and how much it cost compared to your allotted budget for each item is essential. Your check list should include: Bride Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding cake, wedding site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, decorations, licence, honeymoon ravel, music/entertainment services, invitations, wedding consulting fees, beverage/drinks and type of wedding.
Generally, all of these items should be carefully itemized and an actual cost should be obtained from the service providers. Your budget fro each service or product should be include to help guide you and/or your wedding consultants. From this list you can determine things like the size of your guest list, bridal party and reception, cake and amount you can actually allocate to each specific area.
A good example is: if you are purchasing a wedding gown and accessories which can easily run into $1,500 or more and your budget is $600, you can opt to rent a gown and accessory which typically at the high end is around $400.
Knowing where you would like to host your wedding and the type of wedding you want is also very essential. Many people typically choose a traditional wedding (religious). These can go into many different cultures i.e. African, Jewish, Islamic, Irish etc. Different types of weddings typically carry varying price tags depending on the culture and how complex the ceremony or extravagant it is.
Honeymoons can be a another costly expense. Honeymoons can extend from that drive to another state to the extended Bahamas vacation or Carribean cruise. Many companies are now incorporating wedding and honeymoon packages in their vacation packages. This has its upside and downside. Marriage laws also vary from country to country.
June typically is noted as the wedding month. So, expect costs to be higher. However travel this and hotel charges during this time of the year to many destinations including the Bahamas may be less expensive.
If you know your budget then it may be beneficial to allow a wedding consulting firm to handle the arrangements. Statistics show that couples are so tired and stressed after the wedding 705 do not have sex on the first night of the honeymoon.
Hiring wedding consultant doesn't mean you lose control of your ceremony. It just saves you the hassle and stress of coordinating and implementing each individual activity and duty.
Your honeymoon can be like any other vacation as far as proper planning is concerned. In order to save money, you must know what you want to do? Where you want to go? What you want to see? Consult with travel consultants in the country or area you plan to visit. Research well. Your trip does not have to be robotic or mechanical, but it can be cost effective and well organized.
TIPS - Below are a few cost saving tips for your special day.
Trim your guest list
Reduce the number of attendance in your bridal party and reception
Budget your honeymoon well
Choose the kind of wedding you like but can afford
Research: at least 6 months in advance
Book in advance: try the internet
Stay near home: try a friends remote cottage, town house or timeshare
Shorten your vacation stay
Travel and wed in the off season
Go on a Cruise: They are usually all-inclusive
About the Author: Sidney Strachan is a young entrepreneur. In 1998 he and Rudolph started resource Marketing Services a B2B service oriented company. He has written many articles and is presently about to release a book of poetry entitled On and On. His website is entitled Bahamas Aficionados. It is a site promoting vacations in the Bahamas while providing services for the pleasure or business vacationers.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
9:24 AM | Was this helpful? |
Pick the Wedding Dress that Compliments your Body
For those of us who don't look like Pamela Anderson or Halle Berry, picking the correct style wedding dress can be crucial to your overall look. Worrying about if you picked the right dress is the last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day. We all want to look our best and when you look "good" you tend to feel good. This article will give the Do's and the Don'ts for your body type. Here are the different body types and their definitions:
Apple - for those who gain weight primarily around the waistline
Pear - for those who are wider on the bottom and smaller up top
Hourglass - weight is evenly distributed between the hips and chest area
Square - weight tends to be evenly distributed throughout the body
Inverted Pear - as you might expect those who have large chests and/or broad shouldered and small on the bottom
The Dos and the Don'ts
Apple Body Type
Dos: Empire waistlines (camouflages a big waistline), V-necks (make the body look more sharp and less round)
Don'ts (the following maximizes the waistline): Corsets, Skirts with lines that cut across the middle, Full skirts, Elongated bodices
Pear Body Type (the following balances out the top and bottom)
Dos: Padded or puffy shoulders
Don'ts: Narrow shoulders, Body hugging sheaths, Full puffy skirts
Hourglass BodyType (to maintain a balanced physique)
Dos: Strapless Dresses (flatters your shoulders), Body hugging sheaths, V-necks, Off the shoulder dresses (shows off shoulders)
Don'ts: Beaded or highly decorated bodices (puts on a few pounds), Full skirts (attracts attention to the hips)
Square Body Type (to create the illusion of curves)
Dos: Beaded or decorated necklines, Full skirts, Padded, puffy or oversized sleeves or shoulders, Horizontal detailing
Don'ts: Clingy slim gowns
Inverted Pear Body Type
Dos: Simple sleeves, Full Skirts
Don'ts: Puffy sleeves, Empire waistlines, Slim skirts
About the Author: Victoria Williams is an author for the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
Apple - for those who gain weight primarily around the waistline
Pear - for those who are wider on the bottom and smaller up top
Hourglass - weight is evenly distributed between the hips and chest area
Square - weight tends to be evenly distributed throughout the body
Inverted Pear - as you might expect those who have large chests and/or broad shouldered and small on the bottom
The Dos and the Don'ts
Apple Body Type
Dos: Empire waistlines (camouflages a big waistline), V-necks (make the body look more sharp and less round)
Don'ts (the following maximizes the waistline): Corsets, Skirts with lines that cut across the middle, Full skirts, Elongated bodices
Pear Body Type (the following balances out the top and bottom)
Dos: Padded or puffy shoulders
Don'ts: Narrow shoulders, Body hugging sheaths, Full puffy skirts
Hourglass BodyType (to maintain a balanced physique)
Dos: Strapless Dresses (flatters your shoulders), Body hugging sheaths, V-necks, Off the shoulder dresses (shows off shoulders)
Don'ts: Beaded or highly decorated bodices (puts on a few pounds), Full skirts (attracts attention to the hips)
Square Body Type (to create the illusion of curves)
Dos: Beaded or decorated necklines, Full skirts, Padded, puffy or oversized sleeves or shoulders, Horizontal detailing
Don'ts: Clingy slim gowns
Inverted Pear Body Type
Dos: Simple sleeves, Full Skirts
Don'ts: Puffy sleeves, Empire waistlines, Slim skirts
About the Author: Victoria Williams is an author for the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
8:50 AM | Was this helpful? |
So You're Planning an Outdoor Wedding?
The best advice I can give you is to test your ideas in the actual location under realistic conditions to eliminate unpleasant surprises. Work with an experienced coach or wedding consultant if you can, and keep in mind the following things:
1. THE WIND. Wind can affect many things: the temperature, making it hotter or colder; the bridesmaids' dresses; everyone's hair; and whether the ceremony can be heard. Test beforehand. It can be as simple as moving the tables around a corner, or across the park to a more sheltered area.
Plan decorations and tablecloths you can anchor attractively; choose weighted fabrics for the attendants; warn them about the hair thing; and consider the need for a sound system and mike clips. If you're renting a tent, make sure it's wind-worthy.
2. THE COMFORT OF YOUR GUESTS. Okay, if you're getting married in San Diego, you can count on perfect conditions, but failing that, your event may be hotter, wetter, or colder than many guests would prefer.
If you're having a lot of out-of-towners, particularly, include information about the weather possibilities on an insert with the invitation along with the accommodation recommendations. (I went to an outdoor wedding in Dallas in July; 111 degrees that day, and boy were the people from Colorado and La Jolla dressed wrong!)
If it's hot, provide iced bottles of water when they arrive, and hand fans, and if you have a tent, rent fans. If it's chilly, have a tent, warmers, a hot beverage when they arrive, and lap blankets.
3. YOU MUST HAVE A PLAN B IN CASE IT POURS DOWN RAIN.
4. HOW TOUGH ARE YOU? Come on now, if you're at all the fussy type, or prone to nerves, this simply isn't for you. You'll have to manage your hair outside, for heaven's sake.
5. THE CALL OF THE WILD. Inclement weather - or even just ordinary ocean waves and bird calls - can wreak havoc with still photographs and videos alike. I recall an amateur wedding video where most of the sound was the wind whistling around. There may also be a fountain or waterfall, dogs barking, kids screaming, birds chirping.
6. DECORATIONS. I've seen even cloth tablecloths blow in the wind, turning over glasses, candles and centerpieces. Wind, bird poop, the shades of night falling... Be extremely realistic when planning your decorations. Actually test them outdoors.
7. NATURE RED IN TOOTH AND CLAW. It's from a poem, okay? but that's where you're going to be. Don't fantasize about how "romantic" the place is; go take a look. Think realistically about beer bottles and cans on the beach; getting the lawn mowed and weeded; planting seasonal flowers; bugs, flies, snakes and spiders; the sounds of barking dogs and (uninvited) children; or, for that matter these days, drugs dealers in the park.
Have a visit with your eyes open. Then do what you need to do, or resolve it's "good enough" and don't worry. The world of nature isn't going to shut down just because it's your wedding.
8. SAFETY... ALL AGES. You're in love. You're planning your big day. However, you must limit the things you have to worry about if you're going to enjoy yourself. A celebration in a park by a lake would be nice, or by the pool at your aunt's mansion, or even at the beach, but in actuality, if there are going to be children there, and drinking, there's also going to be the chance for a real tragedy.
Which brings up - all ages will likely be there, and must be considered. Can you really picture your great-grandmother standing in the surf with her hair blowing, stepping over man-o-wars while picking sand out of her teeth... for long? Can the kiddos go that long without a restroom? Many people can't stand up for a long time; others need protection from extreme heat and cold.
9. THE FOOD. Can you say "food poisoning?" Mayonnaise (and food items with that as an ingredient) can't sit out in the hot sun for more than an hour or so. Avoid perishable dishes. Wind can make it hard to get the grill lit. Ice cream won't do when it's 90 degrees outside, nor will hot hors d'eouvres last long when it's 50 degrees outside.
10. THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE STARS. Yes, he promised you that... and you'll be promising it to your guests, one way or another. Keep in mind the sun moves through the sky, and plan your event (and the photographs) accordingly. One of the most beautiful weddings I went to was held on the deck of a hillside lodge, with the ceremony ending just as the sun was setting. Now THAT was an outdoor wedding!
About the Author: Susan Dunn, MA, Personal Life Coach. Relationships, events, emotional intelligence, transitions, career. Coaching, Internet courses, teleclasses, ebooks. I train and certify EQ coaches.
1. THE WIND. Wind can affect many things: the temperature, making it hotter or colder; the bridesmaids' dresses; everyone's hair; and whether the ceremony can be heard. Test beforehand. It can be as simple as moving the tables around a corner, or across the park to a more sheltered area.
Plan decorations and tablecloths you can anchor attractively; choose weighted fabrics for the attendants; warn them about the hair thing; and consider the need for a sound system and mike clips. If you're renting a tent, make sure it's wind-worthy.
2. THE COMFORT OF YOUR GUESTS. Okay, if you're getting married in San Diego, you can count on perfect conditions, but failing that, your event may be hotter, wetter, or colder than many guests would prefer.
If you're having a lot of out-of-towners, particularly, include information about the weather possibilities on an insert with the invitation along with the accommodation recommendations. (I went to an outdoor wedding in Dallas in July; 111 degrees that day, and boy were the people from Colorado and La Jolla dressed wrong!)
If it's hot, provide iced bottles of water when they arrive, and hand fans, and if you have a tent, rent fans. If it's chilly, have a tent, warmers, a hot beverage when they arrive, and lap blankets.
3. YOU MUST HAVE A PLAN B IN CASE IT POURS DOWN RAIN.
4. HOW TOUGH ARE YOU? Come on now, if you're at all the fussy type, or prone to nerves, this simply isn't for you. You'll have to manage your hair outside, for heaven's sake.
5. THE CALL OF THE WILD. Inclement weather - or even just ordinary ocean waves and bird calls - can wreak havoc with still photographs and videos alike. I recall an amateur wedding video where most of the sound was the wind whistling around. There may also be a fountain or waterfall, dogs barking, kids screaming, birds chirping.
6. DECORATIONS. I've seen even cloth tablecloths blow in the wind, turning over glasses, candles and centerpieces. Wind, bird poop, the shades of night falling... Be extremely realistic when planning your decorations. Actually test them outdoors.
7. NATURE RED IN TOOTH AND CLAW. It's from a poem, okay? but that's where you're going to be. Don't fantasize about how "romantic" the place is; go take a look. Think realistically about beer bottles and cans on the beach; getting the lawn mowed and weeded; planting seasonal flowers; bugs, flies, snakes and spiders; the sounds of barking dogs and (uninvited) children; or, for that matter these days, drugs dealers in the park.
Have a visit with your eyes open. Then do what you need to do, or resolve it's "good enough" and don't worry. The world of nature isn't going to shut down just because it's your wedding.
8. SAFETY... ALL AGES. You're in love. You're planning your big day. However, you must limit the things you have to worry about if you're going to enjoy yourself. A celebration in a park by a lake would be nice, or by the pool at your aunt's mansion, or even at the beach, but in actuality, if there are going to be children there, and drinking, there's also going to be the chance for a real tragedy.
Which brings up - all ages will likely be there, and must be considered. Can you really picture your great-grandmother standing in the surf with her hair blowing, stepping over man-o-wars while picking sand out of her teeth... for long? Can the kiddos go that long without a restroom? Many people can't stand up for a long time; others need protection from extreme heat and cold.
9. THE FOOD. Can you say "food poisoning?" Mayonnaise (and food items with that as an ingredient) can't sit out in the hot sun for more than an hour or so. Avoid perishable dishes. Wind can make it hard to get the grill lit. Ice cream won't do when it's 90 degrees outside, nor will hot hors d'eouvres last long when it's 50 degrees outside.
10. THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE STARS. Yes, he promised you that... and you'll be promising it to your guests, one way or another. Keep in mind the sun moves through the sky, and plan your event (and the photographs) accordingly. One of the most beautiful weddings I went to was held on the deck of a hillside lodge, with the ceremony ending just as the sun was setting. Now THAT was an outdoor wedding!
About the Author: Susan Dunn, MA, Personal Life Coach. Relationships, events, emotional intelligence, transitions, career. Coaching, Internet courses, teleclasses, ebooks. I train and certify EQ coaches.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
7:58 AM | Was this helpful? |
No Kids At The Wedding Please - How To Say It Tastefully
As much as you love your nieces, nephews and even your own children, some of you know that an otherwise perfect day can be tarnished by a misbehaving little one. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, so what should you do? If you don't mind kids at your wedding, then this article is not for you. If your are in the other group, read on...
If you are reading this you are probably afraid of being labeled as selfish or a child hater, but this is your day. You planned for it, paid for it and deserve to have it the way you want. Even if you are being selfish, having paid a few thousand dollars or more says you have right to be!
Well enough of the pep talk. You must be open and honest from the very beginning. Waiting to long in fear of causing trouble will only make matters worse and leave you feeling even more "guilty" when some people were expecting to bring their little ones from the start. Most people will understand and some have asked it for their own weddings, but there are still a few that need to be told. Here are some of the ways to get the message across early:
1. Send it with the invitation. That's right. You could put it on a separate card and make a reference to it being an adults only event. You may not want to say "no kids please" because the words "adults only" is less likely to be seen negatively.
2. Call each and every person who you believe is coming and be honest and upfront. Don't take too long with the small talk and try to end on a positive note. It would also be a good idea to have babysitters in a separate room at the wedding in case someone forgets or just had to bring little Mark.
3. On that same note. If you just don't want to feel like you are a kid-hater, just make a point to have babysitters at your wedding. This way no one will feel left out or "betrayed". You still have to contend with those parents AND children that have separation anxiety. You will have to make sure to tell them that if they plan to bring children with them, they must be placed with the babysitter you or they have provided, in a separate room, no exceptions. Having a room with toys and bright colors could peak a child's interest, but there is no guarantee.
3. Use psychology. The statement, "This is a day to enjoy yourself too. Leave the kids at home (with our babysitter)", will definitely bring some of those not-so-understanding parents to your corner. The parents with the most misbehaved kids will be the first to identify with this statement.
If all else fails, just remember the important thing is that you are marrying the one you love and that nothing can change that!
About the Author: Victoria Williams is the editor of the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
If you are reading this you are probably afraid of being labeled as selfish or a child hater, but this is your day. You planned for it, paid for it and deserve to have it the way you want. Even if you are being selfish, having paid a few thousand dollars or more says you have right to be!
Well enough of the pep talk. You must be open and honest from the very beginning. Waiting to long in fear of causing trouble will only make matters worse and leave you feeling even more "guilty" when some people were expecting to bring their little ones from the start. Most people will understand and some have asked it for their own weddings, but there are still a few that need to be told. Here are some of the ways to get the message across early:
1. Send it with the invitation. That's right. You could put it on a separate card and make a reference to it being an adults only event. You may not want to say "no kids please" because the words "adults only" is less likely to be seen negatively.
2. Call each and every person who you believe is coming and be honest and upfront. Don't take too long with the small talk and try to end on a positive note. It would also be a good idea to have babysitters in a separate room at the wedding in case someone forgets or just had to bring little Mark.
3. On that same note. If you just don't want to feel like you are a kid-hater, just make a point to have babysitters at your wedding. This way no one will feel left out or "betrayed". You still have to contend with those parents AND children that have separation anxiety. You will have to make sure to tell them that if they plan to bring children with them, they must be placed with the babysitter you or they have provided, in a separate room, no exceptions. Having a room with toys and bright colors could peak a child's interest, but there is no guarantee.
3. Use psychology. The statement, "This is a day to enjoy yourself too. Leave the kids at home (with our babysitter)", will definitely bring some of those not-so-understanding parents to your corner. The parents with the most misbehaved kids will be the first to identify with this statement.
If all else fails, just remember the important thing is that you are marrying the one you love and that nothing can change that!
About the Author: Victoria Williams is the editor of the online magazine, Nuptial Paradise.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
6:49 AM | Was this helpful? |
Ten Tips For Writing Your Perfect Wedding Vows
1. Start with a nice clean piece of paper (lavender is good, but any kind will work). Down the left side of the page, write the numbers 1-10. Now - without stopping to think about it, fill in this page! Write down the first 10 things that come to mind in response to this sentence: "I love (my partner's name) because..." Set this piece of paper aside.
2. Now - how about YOU? What do YOU bring to this union? What promises will you make? Take another sheet of paper, and write 'em down - don't worry about spelling, grammar, or anything else at this point. Just write down 4-5 things you want to promise this very special person with whom you want to spend your life.
- Do you promise to be there in bad times as well as good?
- Do you promise to be faithful with your body as well as with your mind and heart?
- Do you promise to support your partner even when he/she isn't perfect?
- Do you promise to share all your resources? Some?
- What about if he/she gets sick? What about if you have a serious fight?
You get the idea... what are you promising in this union?
3. Think about the language you will use to claim your partner and name your relationship. When you introduce your beloved, what words will you use? Husband? Wife? Spouse? Partner for Life? What energy does each of these have for you? If you don't like one for some reason, throw it out... but before you start writing you vows, decide... what language will you use? This is a decision you need to make together... so start early, and give this as much time as it takes.
4. OK, after you've done steps 1-3, and you've got at least two pages of writing and one decision made - set it all aside. Do something else, preferably with your partner, and preferably fun. Like Christmas trees, weddings get too much "stuff" hung on them, Make yours beautiful, by stepping aside from the stress for a day or two. Go out and remember WHY you love... go and play.
5. Done that? Now it's time to make a BIG DECISION. Are each of you going to write your own vow, or do the two of you want to say the same thing? You don't have to, you know - some of the most beautiful ceremonies I've celebrated had each partner saying something different ... But here's a trick: If you're each creating your own unique vow, why not insert a sentence at the end symbolizing the fact that you come together as unique individuals, and, without surrendering your individuality, you are creating a beautiful, shared union. Here's an example of words each partner might use to complete his or her unique vow:
John, I accept you as my husband.
I Tracy, embrace you, Susan, as my partner for life.
6. It's time to go back to the papers you wrote in Steps 1 and 2. If you're working together, you'll have fun sharing those pages, and seeing where you overlap ... Use colored pencils or highliters to lift up what you have in common - and make those promises and statements of love just leap off the page.
7. Now, whether you're working alone or as a couple, it's time to prioritize. Which is fancy language for saying, OK, if I have to cut two of these promises off the list, which ones will they be? Nibble at your lists, removing the things that are just a little less juicy, until you're left with three or four things you love... and about the same number of things you promise.
8. Copy these over onto a brand new, clean page. (It's amazing what a difference a clean sheet of paper can make - trust me on this!)
9. One more question... this is a wedding, a celebration of your union, presumably for life. Will your vows indicate a time frame? Some couples use phrase like: "Through all our years, and in all that life may bring us...", "For the rest of my days", "As long as we both shall live", "lifetime partner", "partner forevermore." Whatever works for you, a wedding or service of union vow should contain a phrase that indicates the duration of your commitment. (If you've come this far, I hope you've decided to promise your commitment for life.)
10. Read your vow out loud to a trusted someone other than your partner. Does it sound like you? How does it feel to say these words aloud? Have you said anything you'd be embarrassed to say in public? Are there any tongue-tanglers in there? (It's amazing how seemingly simple phrases turn complex when it's time to speak!) Make whatever minor changes you need, and then Stop. Feel good about what you've done - for you have created one of the greatest gifts you will ever make.
Blessings on you and on your union.
About the Author: M. Maureen Killoran, Rev. Maureen Killoran is a Unitarian Universalist minister and life coach in western North Carolina. With over 20 years' experience, she delights in helping couples create unique and joyful weddings, services of union and other rituals for life passages.
2. Now - how about YOU? What do YOU bring to this union? What promises will you make? Take another sheet of paper, and write 'em down - don't worry about spelling, grammar, or anything else at this point. Just write down 4-5 things you want to promise this very special person with whom you want to spend your life.
- Do you promise to be there in bad times as well as good?
- Do you promise to be faithful with your body as well as with your mind and heart?
- Do you promise to support your partner even when he/she isn't perfect?
- Do you promise to share all your resources? Some?
- What about if he/she gets sick? What about if you have a serious fight?
You get the idea... what are you promising in this union?
3. Think about the language you will use to claim your partner and name your relationship. When you introduce your beloved, what words will you use? Husband? Wife? Spouse? Partner for Life? What energy does each of these have for you? If you don't like one for some reason, throw it out... but before you start writing you vows, decide... what language will you use? This is a decision you need to make together... so start early, and give this as much time as it takes.
4. OK, after you've done steps 1-3, and you've got at least two pages of writing and one decision made - set it all aside. Do something else, preferably with your partner, and preferably fun. Like Christmas trees, weddings get too much "stuff" hung on them, Make yours beautiful, by stepping aside from the stress for a day or two. Go out and remember WHY you love... go and play.
5. Done that? Now it's time to make a BIG DECISION. Are each of you going to write your own vow, or do the two of you want to say the same thing? You don't have to, you know - some of the most beautiful ceremonies I've celebrated had each partner saying something different ... But here's a trick: If you're each creating your own unique vow, why not insert a sentence at the end symbolizing the fact that you come together as unique individuals, and, without surrendering your individuality, you are creating a beautiful, shared union. Here's an example of words each partner might use to complete his or her unique vow:
John, I accept you as my husband.
I Tracy, embrace you, Susan, as my partner for life.
6. It's time to go back to the papers you wrote in Steps 1 and 2. If you're working together, you'll have fun sharing those pages, and seeing where you overlap ... Use colored pencils or highliters to lift up what you have in common - and make those promises and statements of love just leap off the page.
7. Now, whether you're working alone or as a couple, it's time to prioritize. Which is fancy language for saying, OK, if I have to cut two of these promises off the list, which ones will they be? Nibble at your lists, removing the things that are just a little less juicy, until you're left with three or four things you love... and about the same number of things you promise.
8. Copy these over onto a brand new, clean page. (It's amazing what a difference a clean sheet of paper can make - trust me on this!)
9. One more question... this is a wedding, a celebration of your union, presumably for life. Will your vows indicate a time frame? Some couples use phrase like: "Through all our years, and in all that life may bring us...", "For the rest of my days", "As long as we both shall live", "lifetime partner", "partner forevermore." Whatever works for you, a wedding or service of union vow should contain a phrase that indicates the duration of your commitment. (If you've come this far, I hope you've decided to promise your commitment for life.)
10. Read your vow out loud to a trusted someone other than your partner. Does it sound like you? How does it feel to say these words aloud? Have you said anything you'd be embarrassed to say in public? Are there any tongue-tanglers in there? (It's amazing how seemingly simple phrases turn complex when it's time to speak!) Make whatever minor changes you need, and then Stop. Feel good about what you've done - for you have created one of the greatest gifts you will ever make.
Blessings on you and on your union.
About the Author: M. Maureen Killoran, Rev. Maureen Killoran is a Unitarian Universalist minister and life coach in western North Carolina. With over 20 years' experience, she delights in helping couples create unique and joyful weddings, services of union and other rituals for life passages.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
5:46 AM | Was this helpful? |
Candles Go Only So Far: Five Ideas For A More Romantic Honeymoon
Candles, rose petals, satin, succulent foods, perfume - you're probably already familiar with all of these time-honored ingredients for creating a romantic mood on your honeymoon. But candles, rose petals, and other sensual ingredients only go so far. The real key to creating a romantic honeymoon is to spend time celebrating your relationship and your new life together as a married couple. After all, romance is more about the heart than the body.
That doesn't mean you should put the candles away, but start setting the mood early by reveling in your relationship. Here are five ideas to get you started.
1. Explore uncharted territory: Intimacy is a key ingredient for creating a romantic mood. In its most basic sense, intimacy is about revealing our interior selves to another person - the part of ourselves that we normally hide from others. When we do this, we honor the other person as someone we cherish and trust. Since it's often difficult to start sharing in this way, a game or book of questions can help. The classic game of relationship questions is the Ungame, while the classic questions book is (appropriately enough) The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock. Each of these products contains hundreds of questions on topics ranging from ethics ("What would you do if...?") to feelings and ideas. These are just two of many similar products that you can use in almost any setting - even in the car or airplane on the way to your honeymoon destination.
2. Combine Your Photo Albums: Buy your first photo album together, if you don't get one at your wedding. Bring out your photo albums and choose the best photos of each other from your dating days to put in your new album - it's a great way to relive old memories.
3. Write a Dream Letter: Write letters to each other about your dreams for your marriage. What do you hope your marriage will look like in ten, twenty, or thirty years? Exchange the letters on the first day of your marriage, and then save them to read on your wedding anniversary.
4. Leave Memory Notes Everywhere: Nothing creates a romantic mood better than remembering your best moments together as a couple. Purchase some small notepaper or post-it notes and spend some time digging up your favorite memories of your spouse. How did you meet? How did your first kiss come about? What is the goofiest thing he or she ever did? When was your spouse there for you when you needed him or her the most? Then spend some time thinking of the memories you'd most like to share with your spouse over the course of your marriage. Write these all down on the note paper, and hide them all over the place at your honeymoon destination (on the pillow, in the luggage, in the rental car, etc.).
5. Share the Love: The funny thing about love is you get more by giving it away. That's as true for newlyweds as for anyone else, so find ways to share your love with others. Start by committing random acts of kindness - both toward each other and complete strangers. Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for inspiration. One of our favorite stories there is about a young woman who was caught in the rain when a complete stranger gave her his own umbrella. When she asked how she would return it to him, he just smiled and walked away. Creating great memories like that adds a magical twist to your honeymoon.
About the Author: Susan and Jerry Windley-Daoust are co-founders of the website Creative Honeymoon Ideas.
That doesn't mean you should put the candles away, but start setting the mood early by reveling in your relationship. Here are five ideas to get you started.
1. Explore uncharted territory: Intimacy is a key ingredient for creating a romantic mood. In its most basic sense, intimacy is about revealing our interior selves to another person - the part of ourselves that we normally hide from others. When we do this, we honor the other person as someone we cherish and trust. Since it's often difficult to start sharing in this way, a game or book of questions can help. The classic game of relationship questions is the Ungame, while the classic questions book is (appropriately enough) The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock. Each of these products contains hundreds of questions on topics ranging from ethics ("What would you do if...?") to feelings and ideas. These are just two of many similar products that you can use in almost any setting - even in the car or airplane on the way to your honeymoon destination.
2. Combine Your Photo Albums: Buy your first photo album together, if you don't get one at your wedding. Bring out your photo albums and choose the best photos of each other from your dating days to put in your new album - it's a great way to relive old memories.
3. Write a Dream Letter: Write letters to each other about your dreams for your marriage. What do you hope your marriage will look like in ten, twenty, or thirty years? Exchange the letters on the first day of your marriage, and then save them to read on your wedding anniversary.
4. Leave Memory Notes Everywhere: Nothing creates a romantic mood better than remembering your best moments together as a couple. Purchase some small notepaper or post-it notes and spend some time digging up your favorite memories of your spouse. How did you meet? How did your first kiss come about? What is the goofiest thing he or she ever did? When was your spouse there for you when you needed him or her the most? Then spend some time thinking of the memories you'd most like to share with your spouse over the course of your marriage. Write these all down on the note paper, and hide them all over the place at your honeymoon destination (on the pillow, in the luggage, in the rental car, etc.).
5. Share the Love: The funny thing about love is you get more by giving it away. That's as true for newlyweds as for anyone else, so find ways to share your love with others. Start by committing random acts of kindness - both toward each other and complete strangers. Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for inspiration. One of our favorite stories there is about a young woman who was caught in the rain when a complete stranger gave her his own umbrella. When she asked how she would return it to him, he just smiled and walked away. Creating great memories like that adds a magical twist to your honeymoon.
About the Author: Susan and Jerry Windley-Daoust are co-founders of the website Creative Honeymoon Ideas.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
4:47 AM | Was this helpful? |
